But when the bill reached the Senate, the former party agreement could no longer be maintained, and the Republican leaders lost control of the situation.

The free silver Republicans combined with most of the Democrats to substitute a free coinage bill, which passed the Senate by forty-three yeas to twenty-four nays, all the negative votes save three coming from the Republican side.
It took all the influence the party leaders could exert to prevent a silver stampede in the House when the Senate substitute bill was brought forward; but by dexterous management, a vote of non-concurrence was passed and a committee of conference was appointed.

The Republican leaders now found themselves in a situation in which presidential non-interference ceased to be desirable, but president Harrison could not be stirred to action.

He would not even state his views.

As Senator Sherman remarked in his "Recollections," "The situation at that time was critical.